Control mechanism for washing machines and the like



T. R. SMITH 2,635,446

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE A ril 21, 1953 7Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Dec. 20, 1948 INVENTOR. f/zomczafi.firm/4%, BY "74 T. R. SMITH A rill 21, 1953 CONTROL MECHANISM FORWASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE v Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Dec. 20,1948 April 21, 1953 sMlTH 2,635,446

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Original Filed Dec.20, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY 5.

J66 5 J92 J57 INVENTOR.

f/ZOWZWE 577%572, J 6 /%M M- *L'" April 21, 1953 T. R. SMITH CONTROLMECHANISM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Original Filed Dec. 20, 19487 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

T. R. SMITH 2,635,446

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE April 21, 1953 7Sheets-Sheet 7 Original Filed Dec. 20, 1948 Q I N VEN TOR.

T/wmafii 57726272,

Patented Apr. 21, 1953 CONTROL MECHANISM FoR ,WASHING MACHINESAND THELIKE Thomas R. Smith, Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company,Newtomlowa, a corporation of'Delaware Original application December 20,1948, Serial No. 66,230. Divided and this application October 11, 1950,Serial No. 189,520

20 Claims.

The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularlyto washing machines of the type in which a washing operation isaccomplished by agitating. the liquid and material contained therein andin which the tub is thereafter rotated to extractthe liquid from thematerial to effect a partial drying thereof,

Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a washingmachine of the type specified in which the washing cycle, including thewashing of the material, the rinsing thereof, and the extracting ofliquid therefrom is automatically controlled.

Another object of the'inventio'n isto provide novel control means forautomatically and consecutively causing the washingmachine to performsteps in a washing.operation intimed sequence which may involvetheintroduction of washing liquid, agitating the-clothes or material tobe washed, rinsing and spin-drying, such control means embodying afloatmember as one of its novel features which is carried by-asupportingstructure; centrally disposed in-said tub and is operated by the liquidtherein. 'Iheinvention cornprehends the provision of control mechanismoperated by saidfloat member which-preferably is carried bythe-lid forthe washing machine.

A further-novel aspect of the invention resides in the provision-ofacontrol means which initiates the agitation of the clothes inthe-washing cycle at a desired time interval before a predeterminedliquid level inthetub is'attained,thus providinga smooth and undisturbedoverlappingtransitional period between the time when agitation of theclothes is initiated-and thetime when the liquidsupply is renderedinoperative,- thuseliminatingany tendency of the washing machine to huntduring this perioclin its cycle of operation.

The present application is a-division of the parent applicationserialNo.- 66,230, flledDecember 20, 1948, for Washing Machine.

Other objects-features; capabilities-and advantages are comprehendedbythe invention, as will later appear and as r are inherently possessedthereby.

Referring to the drawings: I

Figure l is a vertical cross-sectional view of awashing machine made inaccordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical cross-sectionshowing a' means for supplyinglidui'cl to the interior of the rotatabletub j Figure 3 is a fragmentary view'in' vertical brass 2 section of acontrol device for the washing ma- Figures 4 to 9, inclusive,areenlarged fragmentary views, partly in elevation and partly insection, 'disclosingv arious modifications of the float control forcontrolling the operation of the washing machine; v p

Figure lfl is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of theupper part of the washing assembly, disclosing more in particular thefloat control and associated control switches mounted in the lid of thewashing machine;

Flguredl is anenlarged fragmentary plan View of-the switch controlmechanism mounted in the lid as shown in Figure 10 of the drawings;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view in cross-section similar to Figure 10but more particularly disclosing the float and switch control assemblyin another operative position;

Figure 13 is adiagrammatic disclosure of the control circuit for thewashingmachine Figure 14 is a view in cross-section taken in a planerepresented by line l4-l4 of Figure 1 of the drawings; and

Figure 15 is a partial sectional perspective view of the brake andclutchmechanisms embodied in the automaticj washer.

Referringnow more in detail to the drawings,

a combined Washing and'drying machine made in accordancewith the presentinvention is shown as generally comprising an outer cabinet 2, a

base structured for upport a r outer tub 6; completely enclosed bythe'cabinet 2. Mounted within the outer tub 6 is a rotatable tub 8provided with an agitator or washing-device ill therein, the tub 8 andits agitator or washing device It being operated by suitable mechanism-12 which, together with the inner tub and agitator assembly, aresuitably supported" on the base structure 4} As afurth'er characteristicof the washing machine, a' controlmechanism, generally referred to as M,is piaviaeartmu omae' ically controlling certain operations in thewashingcy'cleQ The cabinet z h'asits main body r imea from sheet metalto providethe opposite side panels and back and front panels :whichmaybe formed to provide a substantially rectangular unitary structure.The panels are iormed within turn ed flanges '26 a he; upper edgesthereof which are adapted to mate with and be secured to similar flanges28 of the 'coveror top panel 38 for the cabinet. Thiscover or top panelfill'is formed with an opening fifl' whereby access may be had to'theinterior of'th'e rotatable tub 8;

The opening 32 is normally closed by a lid 34 formed with a base section36 and a cover section 38 to provide a chamber or compartment for aplurality of switch assemblies for the control mechanism I4, as will behereinafter more fully described. Each of the sections 36 and 38 isformed with interfitting flanges, such as 40, at the marginal edgesthereof which are adapted to be disposed to form a unitary lidstructure. As shown more particularly in Figure 10, the base section 36is provided with a hinge bracket disposed adjacent the rear edge thereofwhich comprises upstanding oppositely disposed lugs 42, only one ofwhich is shown. interconnected adjacent the top and rear edge thereof bythe transversely disposed bar 44 having a lower wedge surface 46adjacent the oppositely disposed lugs 42. The rear portion of the top orcover section 38 is formed adjacent its rear edge with spaced lugs 48which are adapted to be brought into wedging relation to the wedgesurfaces 46 for holding the wall sections 36 and 38 of the lid togetherat this point when moved angularly with respect to one another intoassembled relation. The top wall section 38 is formed adjacent the frontthereof with a recess 50 adapted to receive a handle 52 which can begripped by the operator for swinging the lid about its pivot point intoand out of its closed position. The two wall sections 36 and 38 are heldin assembled relation by means of a pair of screws 54, or the like,which extend through aligned openings provided in the wall sections 36and 38 and threadedly engage the handle 52 for securing the same withinthe recess 50. It is apparent that the screws 54 may be readily removedand the wall sections 36 and 38 moved apart for readily gaining accessto the interior compartment formed by these wall sections for repairingor replacing any of the switch control assemblies, or any part thereof,mounted therein. The base or lower wall section 36 is provided withapertures 56 and 58 for a purpose to be more fully describedhereinafter.

The lid 34 is pivotally mounted with respect to the cover or top Wall 30of the cabinet by means of a hinge element 60 secured to said top wallor cover 30 in any desired manner, the said hinge element having anouter substantially U-shaped end portion terminating in a rolledmarginal edge portion 62 suitably threaded at both ends to receivescrews 63, or the like, which extend through and are mounted inapertures 64 of the lugs 42, about which the lid pivots when raised andlowered. The outer end portion of the hinge element extends throughopening 65 provided in the base 36 which permits moisture to drain fromthe lid when the same is raised.

The front panel of the cabinet has an opening 66 in which is mounted apanel 68 of translucent material illuminated by means of a pilot light Iincorporated in the control circuit shown in Figure 12 of the drawings.

Referring to Figure 4 the cover or top wall 30 is further provided witha pair of openings 86, only one of which is shown, through which theshafts of control devices are adapted to extend. The control devices areof somewhat similar construction in that each is provided with a shaft88 extending up through one of the openings in the cover 30, the samebeing manipulated by a control knob I04. The control knob disposed inassociation with one of the openings controls the thermostaticallyoperated mixing valve 90, the said control valve being operable tosupply warm, hot, or medium warm water into the rotatable receptacle 8,as will be hereinafter more fully dis closed. The control knobassociated with the other opening in the top or cover 30 is adapted toposition the cams of a timer motor for automatically effecting a washingoperation in cyclic sequence, the said knob, if desired, also embodyingthe line switch 96 for the main line circuit, as shown in Figure 13 ofthe drawings.

The control shaft 88 for the timer is threaded adjacent its upper endand is provided with a cut-out portion 98 to form a non-circular portionwhich extends through an opening I00 of similar shape centrally disposedin a dial I02 whereby the dial I02 is adapted to be moved in unison withthe shaft 88. The threaded end of the shaft 88 beyond the dial :I 04 isadapted to receive the knob I02 provided with an insert I06 whichthreadedly engages the end of the shaft 88. Disposed below the dial I02and threadedly engaging the shaft 88 is a lock nut I08 adapted to beadjustably positioned for adjusting the position of the dial and knobwith respect to the cover 30. It will be seen that upon rotation of theknob I04 on the shaft 88, the dial I62 will like-wise be rotated by theoperator and the timer mechanism is also actuated. This dial is providedwith suitable indicia indicating the time intervals for various steps inthe washing operation. In the present case the indicia is marked inaccordance with the indicated time periods for the various steps in thewashing operation, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 13 of thedrawings.

The base structure 4 is of rectangular formation and comprises a unitarybox structure formed from horizontally disposed L-shaped angle ironsections I I8, each of which has a horizontally and inwardly disposedleg or web I20 and a vertically and upwardly extending web or leg I22.The base structure is further provided with corner posts or pedestalsI26 formed from angle irons of the desired length which are rigidlysecured in position to the horizontally disposed L-shaped angle irons atthe corners of the base structure, and each of which is provided with aninturned supporting flange, not shown, adapted to provide a support forthe outer tub 6. Extending between and secured to opposite sides of onepair of horizontal legs I20 of the box structure is a channel shapedframe member II! of arched formation provided with an opening H9 in itscentral web for supporting the inner tub 8 and its associatedmechanisms, as will be hereinafter more fully described. Adjacent eachcorner of the base structure there is provided a short foot oradjustable leg portion I36 for maintaning all four supporting points ofthe machine in contact with the floor and at the same time to maintainthe machine level.

The outer tub 6 is formed with a side wall having its lower portion I38cylindrical in horizontal cross-section and its upper portion I40frusto-conical in shape which terminates in an inwardly extending flangeI42 provided with an annular curved recess or groove adapted to receivea toroidal shaped sealing element I44 of resilient and compressiblematerial, such as rubber or the like, which fits within the recess orgroove and is compressed against the inner surface of the top wall orcover 30 in spaced rela tion to the opening 32 thereof to provide afluidtight joint therebetween. The outer tub 6 is further formed with abottom wall I46 sloping inwardly and downwardly from the side wallportion I38 for the purpose of draining liquid falling into the bottomof the outer tub to the conical shaped drain outlet 148 depending fromthe bottom wall. This bottom wall is further formed with a centrallydisposed crowned portion I56 having an opening I52 therein defined by anannular up-standing flange I54 which terminates in an outwardlyextending peripheral portion I56 providing a shoulder for a purpose tobe hereinafter more fully disclosed.

The inner tub 8 disposed within the outer tub 6 is formed in twosections or parts, the outer part having an imperforate side wall I62and an imperforate bottom wall I64 formed with a central hub I66 inwhich a shaft I68 is journaled. This shaft extends above the hub portionI66 and is splined, as at I10, to the agitator II) which is mountedthereon.

The inner part or section of the tub 8 is in the form of a perforatebasket I'M, the lower portion of which is disposed in substantiallyparallel relation to the side and bottom walls I62 and I64 of the outerimperforate part of the tub 8. The inner basket is rigidly secured tothe side wall I62 by means of a plurality of screws I16 and is held inspaced relation to the outer imperforate tub by means of the spacingwashers Il8 to provide a channel which allows the water passing throughthe perforations to flow between the basket and the outer imperforatetub over the top of the wall I62 without passing through the clothescontained within the inner tub 8. The upper portion I80 of the basketI'M is imperforate and extends upwardly and inwardly and terminates inthe rolled edge I82 defining an opening I84 disposed in association withthe opening 32 whereby the operator is able to gain access to theinterior of the rotatable tub 6 when the lid 38 is lifted.

The upper imperforate portion I86 of the basket has mounted thereon ahollow toroidal shaped tubular member I86 having a body of mobilematerial I88 of relatively high specific gravity, which assembly servesas a balancing ring. Steel wool or the like may be used to dampen themovement of a fluid in the balancing ring. This balancing ring I86 issecured to the upper wall portion I86 by means of a plurality of clipsor brackets I98 secured to said wall portion I66 by means of bolts I92or the like.

Formed as a part of the bottom wall I64 of the inner receptacle is agear housing I94 having a cover or closure I66 provided with adownwardly extending hub or hollow supporting member I88 which embracesand is rigidly secured to the upper end of a hollow shaft 286 whichextends downwardly through the opening I52 in the bottom wall I46 of theouter tub 6 and the opening H6 in the supporting member Ill and memberH1 is mounted upon a radial and thrust bearing (not shown) disposedadjacent the base l which in turn is supported by the arched supportingmember Ill. The radial and thrust bearing may be of any suitableconstruction and is supported for tilting movement by the anulardish-shaped retaining member 220 which extends downwardly throughopening II9 of the channel shaped member II'I. Since the tiltablesupport means forms no part of the invention, a further description isnot deemed necessary. This support is clearly set forth in the abovementioned parent application, Ser. No. 66,280.

Leakage between the outer hollow shafts 266 and the outer tub 6 isprevented by means of a seal or boot 226 of resilient andv flexiblematerial, such as rubber or the like, which has an enlarged lowermarginal edge 228' adapted tosnap over and engage the annular shoulderformed by the outwardly extending marginal portion I56 of flange I54.The upper end of the seal 226 is provided with an inwardly extendingflange portion 236 having a friction face which bears against the lowerend of the supporting hub I98, and pressure is applied to maintainsealing relation by means of a coil spring 232 having its upper endabutting the inwardly extending flange 236 and its lower end abutting adamper assembly 234.

Disposed within the hollow shaft 208' is an inner drive shaft 236journaled for relative rotation in the outer shaft through an upperbearing 23 Sand a lower bearing (not shown) Splined to the upper end ofthe inner shaft 236 is a drive pinion 242'which operates suitable gearreduction mechanism (not shown) to oscillate a segmental gear 266pivoted for oscillating movement about stud shaft 266 which is fixed tothe cover I96. The segmental gear 264 meshes with the pinion 263 mountedupon the lower end of the shaft I68.

In the above construction when the drive shaft 236 is rotated, the shaftI68 and the agitator I6 connected thereto will be oscillated in 1ato-andfro direction within the tub 8 through the driving mechanismdisposed Within the housing I94. For a more complete description of, theoscillating mechanism, reference may be had to the above mentionedparent application.

The agitator II], as hereinbefore described, has its central hub 216splined to the upper end of shaft I68. The agitator is further formedwith a center post 212 and a base or body portion 276 extendingdownwardly and outwardly from the center post. One or more blades 2T6extending upwardly and outwardly from the base portion 2N may beprovided to effect a washing operation within the inner tub 8. Thecentral post or pedestal 212 extends upwardly from the base 2M and isformed with an inner chamber or compartment 218 which communicates withthe interior of the tub 6 through one or more openings 28%. As shown inFigure 1 of the drawings, a float 282 is slidably mounted within thechamber 218 and is adapted to be moved in accordance with the liquidlevel within the inner tub 8 for operating certain control mechanisms aswill be hereinafter more fully described. The float 282 is provided witha lower open end and has its upper end closed by the end Wall 284,although other modifications are contemplated by the present invention,as disclosed in Figures 4 to 9, inclusive, which will be hereinafterdescribed in detail. As shown in Figure 14 of the drawings, the centerpost 2H2 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally and inwardlyextending ribs 286 adapted to position the float 282 and to facilitaterelative sliding movement of the float with respect to the center post212.

The drive shaft 236 is rotated for oscillating the agitator I8 and forrotating the inner tub 8 by means of a pivotally mounted motor I66. Themotor I68 is provided with a pulley 296 having a V-shaped groove fordriving the belt 296 which passes around and is received within the V-shaped groove 298 of the drive pulley 380. The back side of the belt 286engages and drives the pulley 362 of a centrifugal liquid discharge pump38 3 supported by the brackets 366 and 368 on the base structure I. Thispump communicates with the drain I43 in the outertub 6 through theconduit SIB, the discharge for the pump being through the conduit 3l2 toany desired place of disposal.

A clutch mechanism which operates to transmit a constant torque betweenthe motor and the inner shaft 236 forms the subject matter of copendingapplications filed in the name of Thomas R. Smith, now Patents Nos.2,604,764 and 2,604,- 765, issued July 29, 1952. The pulley 300 drivenby the belt 296 is formed with a downwardly extending and integralcylindrical wall 320 for housing the clutch mechanism.

As previously referred to, the material within the receptacle 8 issubjected to a washing operation through the action of the agitator Iand also subjected to a centrifuging action whereby the said material isspin dried upon rotation of the tub 8. In order to rapidly rotate theinner tub 8 suitable clutch mechanism is provided for effecting adriving relation between the inner shaft 236 and the outer shaft 200. Inthe illustrative embodiment of the invention such clutch mechanism takesthe form of a spring clutch including an expanding type tapered springclutch element 346 embracing the shaft 236. The lower end of the springclutch element 346 is connected to the shaft 236 by means of a pin 350whereby a driving connection between the shaft 236 and the spring clutchelement 346 is effected. The upper actuating end of the spring clutchelement is arranged to be engaged by a T-shaped key 352 mounted withinthe clutch collar 354 for sliding movement within a slot 366 in theouter shaft 200. During the period when the agitator I0 is beingoperated, the clutch collar 354 is held in an elevated position by meansof bell crank lever 356 whereby the key 352 is disengaged from the upperoperating end of the spring clutch element 346. When the bell cranklever 356 is tripped, the clutch collar 354 moves downwardly under theaction of gravity to position the key 352 in the path of movement of theupper operating end of spring clutch element 346 whereby the said springclutch element is expanded to frictionally engage the wall of the outerhollow shaft 200 at which time a driving connection is effected betweenthe shafts 200 and 236 to rapidly rotate the inner tub 8.

The bell crank lever 356 is pivoted, as at 358, to a bracket 360connected to a hollow sleeve 319 constituting a part of the dampermechanism 234 to which is secured a brake shoe support 36 forming anelement of brake mechanism 365, to be hereinafter more fully described.

The hollow sleeve 3'19 is formed with an outwardly extending sphericalshaped wall 388, reinforced by the oppositely disposed webs 390, and tothe upper surface of which friction material 394 is connected in anysuitable manner which frictionally engages or mates with a complementaryspherical surface formed on the under side of the central crownedportion I50 of the outer tub 6.

The brake shoe support 364 is formed with a hub 396 secured on the lowerend of the hollow sleeve 319. The webs 390, of which four are utilizedin the present embodiment, are each provided at their lower end with anaperture 400 engaged by the end of a coil spring 402. Each of thesesprings is equally loaded and spaced and extends at an angle to thevertical axis of the sleeve 319 and has its opposite end mounted in abracket 404 rigidly secured to the bottom wall I46 of the outer tub 6.Due to the angular disposition of the springs 402 with respect to thevertical axis of the sleeve 319 and their connection to the brake shoesupport 364 and the tub 6, a component of the spring force is applied ina vertical direction to the friction material 394 to reduce theamplitude of horizontal movement of the inner tube under eccentricloading and to tend to return the tub 8 to its neutral or verticalposition where the spring forces are all equal.

When the shaft 236 is rotated freely to oscillate the agitator III theouter shaft 200 and the tub assembly connected thereto is held againstrotation by the friction brake 365. As previously indicated, thisfriction brake mechanism incorporates the brake shoe support 364 havingthe brake shoes 406 and 408 pivoted thereto in any suitable manner, thesaid brake shoes being provided with a brake lining, such as 4l4,engageable with the inner cylindrical surface of the brake drum 416having a hub 4|8 splined to the outer hollow shaft 200. The brake shoes406 and 408 are pivotally connected through links 420 and 422 to thecrank collar 424 secured to the lower end of a pin 426 mounted in thebrake shoe support 364. An operating arm 42B is connected to the upperend of the pin 426 whereby the brake shoes, which are normally inengagement with the brake drum 4l6, may be moved inwardly and out ofsuch engagement when the outer shaft 200 is driven by the inner shaft236 through the spring clutch element 346. A coil spring 430 isinterposed between the brake shoes 406 and 408 to normally maintain saidbrake shoes in frictional engagement with the brake shoe drum M6. Theouter end of the operating arm 428 is connected through a link 432 to asolenoid 434 connected in the control circuit for operating the brakeduring a washing cycle. The solenoid 434 is normally deenergized whilethe agitator I0 is operated during which time the brake shoes 406 and408 maintain the outer sleeve 200 and the tub 8 and its associatedmechanisms stationary. The arm 428 is provided with a projection 438engageable with one leg of the bell crank lever 356 for moving the bellcrank lever about its pivot point 358 to maintain the clutch collar 354in a position whereby the key 352 is disengaged from the operating endof the spring clutch element 346. In order to hold the bell crank lever356 in a position to render the spring clutch mechanism inoperative, thearm 428 has a coil spring 440 connected thereto which is anchored at itsother end in the base structure 4. Upon energization of the solenoid434, the arm 428 is moved thereby in a clockwise direction, as viewed inFigure 15 of the drawings, to move the projection 438 thereof out ofengagement with the bell crank lever 356 thus permitting the bell cranklever 356 to swing about its pivot point and to allow the clutch collar354 to move downwardly with respect to the shaft 200 whereby the key 352engages the spring clutch element 346 to effect a driving connectionbetween shafts 236 and 200. The brake mechanism 365 may be held againsttorsional movement when the brake is applied by suitable mechanism asdescribed in the above mentioned parent application.

Washing fluid is delivered from the thermostatically controlled mixingvalve to a conduit 454 which extends upwardly within the chamber betweenthe cabinet 2 and the outer tub 6 and is connected at its upper end inany desired manner to an injector tube 456. The injector tube is formedas an integral part of a U-shaped bracket 458 which is secured to theoutside of the outer tub on opposite sides of an opening 4% providedtherein. Secured to the inside of the outer tub 6 in communicatingrelation to the opening 469 is an inlet spout 462 which extends inwardlyfrom the outer tub 6 in overhanging relation to the inner tub 8 andterminates in a discharge opening adapted to introduce washing fluidinto said inner tub 8. A screen A5 5 is secured within the inlet spoutadjacent its discharge endfor breaking up the stream of washing liquidto produce a soft, non-splashing flow thereof into the inner tub 8.

The injector tube 456 is spaced from the inlet spout 462 by an air'gapwhich is'capable of interrupting the flow of washing liquid into theinner tub 8 should a drop in pressure occur in the line, thus preventingany possibility of a return of dirt or contaminated water into thesupply system. In order to prevent water from falling into the operatingmechanism at the bottom of the "casing a drip basin 457 is connected tothe tub '8 below the injector tube 456, the same having "an outletpassage 45! formed in the tub 6 whereby any water falling downwardlyfrom the injector tube 655 is conducted into said tub. I

As previously described, the float 282 is operated in accordance withthe liquid level within the inner tub 8 for operating control mechanism,generally referred to as 14, which has certain control elements mountedwithin the lid 34 of the washing device. While the specific illustrationof the invention contemplates the mounting of this float within therecess provided in the center post for the agitator, nevertheless, theinvention comprehends the mounting of such a float within a center postor supporting structure irrespective of whether or not the same is inany way associated with the agitator or other washing means disposedwithin the tub '8. The float 282, according to the disclosure in Fig. land Figures 10 and 12, inclusive, is adapted, upon the washing liquidattaining a predetermined height in the receptacle 8, of moving acontro1 button 456 which extends through openin 56 in the base section53 of the lid into the path of movement of the float 282. This controlbutton is secured adjacent one end of a lever arm it? which is pivotedat its other end, as at 47?), in a bracket 48% secured, as at 682, tothe base section 36. A bracket M5 is pivotally mounted, as at 416 and M8on the bracket @83 and provides a support for two control switches 412and 474 of the mercury the said bracket 415 being moved about its pivotpoints M6- and M8 by the lever 458 which is adapted to engage the samewhen moved by the float 232. The mercury switches 4'42 and Al i aremounted in the bracket 415 with their longitudinal aXes angularlydisposed with respect to one another for a purpose to be hereinafter.more fully described, and have their contacts 484 and 435 oppositelydisposed, as more clearly shown in Figure 13 of the drawings. As shownin Figure 10 of the drawings, the button lSt is in its lowermostposition, indicating that the inner tub 3 is empty or that the liquidlevel in the tub is inefiective to raise the button $66. Under suchcircumstances the contacts 48 5 of switch M2 are bridged by the mercurycontained in the switch, whereas the contacts 386 are not bridged by themercury in switch il i, which is at that time disposed at the lower endof the switch. However, upon introduction of a washing liquid into theinner tub '8 to a predetermined level the button 468 is engaged by thefloat 282 and is raised into engagement with the switch bracket 415,causing the said bracket to pivot about the pivot points 416 and 418into the position as shown in Figure 12 of the drawings, whereby theswitch 412 is rendered inoperative and switch 414 has its contacts 486bridged :by the mercury contained therein. The results accomplished byangularly disposing the switches 41-2 and 414 with respect to each otherand the operation of the switches in the control circuit, as shown inFigure 13, will be more fully described hereinafter.

Mounted for pivotal movement about the pin Mil and extending downwardlythrough the opening 58 in thebase-Section for the lidand in oppositerelation to the center post 212 is a safety shut-off lever 488 having alatch l89 provided with an inturned upper end portion 490. Mounted forpivotal movement, as at '492 and 494 on the bracket 43!], is a bracket$96 on which is mounted a safety shut-off switch 398 of the mercury typeheld in operative position by :means of the inturned end 498 of thelatch 489 which engages the shoulder 50% of the bracket 496. The switch498, as will be hereinafter more iully described, is included in themain lin circuitand when moved to inoperative position, renders theentire electric circuit inoperative to stop the washing machine. Theinter-engagement of the inturned end 499 and shoulder 500 is normallymaintained by a coil spring 502 connected at one end to the latch 439and at its other end to the post 5% extending upwardly from the basesection of the lidv The lever 288 extends downwardly below the basesection 36 for the lid in opposite and spaced relation to the centerpost 212 for the agitator so that when the center post assembly,-duringthe spinning or rotation of the inner tub 8, wobbles or gyrates to movethe tub 8 an excessive distance laterally from its normal verticalposition due to an unbalanced load condition within the container 8, thecenter post 272 engages the lever 483 to move the latch 689 against theaction of spring 582 which releases the bracket 4-96 for downwardmovement by gravity about the pivot points 492 and 494 which renders theswitch inoperative, thus breaking the main electric circuit and stoppingthe entire machine. The switch 49$ also has its contacts disposedadjacent the pivot points 492 and 494 so that the switch is inoperativewhen the lid is raised, thus deenergizing the entire circuit and makingit impossible for the operator to operate the washing machine until thelid i again closed. This arrangement provides a safety device whicheliminates any possibilities of injuring the operator during the washingcycle, particularly when the inner tub 8 is rotated at a high rate ofspeed. The switch 498 is pivoted in such a manner that when the lid israised, the bracket 496 will automatically swing back into a resetposition whereby the inturned end 4-94] engages shoulder 580 of thebracket so that when the lid is closed the mercury for the switch 498bridges the contacts thereof and the switch is again in position to actas a safety unbalance shut-off switch should gyratory movements of theinner tub become excessive due to unbalanced loadings. In the event thatthe latch 489 is tripped due tosuch unbalanced loading, all the operatorhas to do is to open the lid to reset the safety switch and to againclose the lid, after which the machine continues to operate in itsnormal cycle of operation.

With particular reference to the float control hereinabove described, itmay be pointed out that in the past, in automatic washing machineconstructions of the vertical axis type provided with an inner tub forwashing and centrifuging and an outer tub for receiving the washingliquid, certain types of controls have been used for determining thewash water level in the inner tub, one of which comprises the use of aconstant flow orifice and using a timer device to control the length oftime the water flows in order to meter a certain amount of water intothe tub. Another procedure is to provide a float control in the outertub which necessitates the use of a recirculation pump, the water levelin the inner tub being determined by said float control in the washingcycle. According to the first method, there are many disadvantages inthat differences in water pressure lead to inaccurate measurement of theamount of water introduced into the washing tub and, under certainconditions, it is possible for the washing cycle to proceed without anyliquid whatsoever in the tub. The second method likewise has similardisadvantages. Such an assembly requires recirculating pump valves andconnections which must be serviced and maintained in operativecondition. Furthermore, the float is inaccessibly located in the outertub which cannot be easily and readily serviced to remove the lint anddirt which necessarily collects thereon.

The present invention is particularly adapted to the vertical axis typeof automatic washing machine which has the inner tub supported forrotation substantially about its vertical axis. In accordance with thepresent invention, it is not necessary that a vertically disposedagitator be used in the washing machine as long as it is possible tohave a center supporting structure which can carry the float either onthe inside of the structure or on the outside of the structure and sothat the float can be used for operating a control mechanism which isconveniently located in the center of the lid. The control mechanism inthe lid may be mechanical or electrical for regulating the flow ofliquid into the tub and/or controlling one or more operations in theautomatic washing cycle.

As will be apparent, the provision of a float carried by a center poststructure has the advantage that the same can be readily removed forcleaning. Where the float is placed within the center post the same isnot disturbed by circulation or movement of the clothes or washingliquid within the tub although, as will be apparent, it is alwaysessential that the center post be properly vented to the interior of thetub so that the float will actually register the water level within thesaid tub.

It will also be apparent that the wobbling or gyratory movement of therotating tub or the reciprocation of the agitator will not interferewith the proper operation of the float. When the tub is being rotated,the water will be rapidly thrown out over the upper edge of the sidewall I62 of the inner tub 8 and out of the float chamber 218 whereby thefloat will become inactive. Under such circumstances the float does notcontact the actuator disposed in the center of the lid so that theoscillation and a high speed of spin normally will not cause any rubbingor friction on said actuator.

Modifications of the float assembly are contemplated by the presentinvention, certain of such modifications being disclosed in Figures 4 to9, inclusive. In Figure 4, the inner receptacle 506 is provided with anagitator having a center post 508 formed with a central chamber orrecess 5|0 communicating, through one or more openings 5l2, with theinterior of the receptacle 566. Mounted within the recess 5l0 is thefloat 5|4, its open end being closed by the cap 5l6 overlapping theupper end of the center post 508 whereby the float may be readilygrasped by the operator and removed for cleaning the same, as well asthe center post, when desired. This float is adapted to operate thecontrol button 5l8 mounted in the lid 520 which is hinged to a cabinetor casing 522 much on the order of the structure hereinbefore described.

Figure 5 discloses a washing machine conforming substantially to thatshown in Figure 4 except for slight modifications in structure of thecenter post 524 which is provided with an interior chamber 526communicating, through one or more openings 526, with the interior ofthe tub 506. The float 530 of this modification is built on the order ofthe float shown in Figure 1 of the drawings except that the sameembraces the center post 524 instead of being mounted within the chamberor recess as in the modification shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.

In Figure 6, there is disclosed a washing machine conformingsubstantially to that shown in Figure 4 wherein the center post 506 isprovided with the inner chamber 5 I 0 communicating, however, with theinterior of the tub 506 through one or more openings 532 provided in thelower wall defining the chamber 5I0 instead of in the side wall of thecenter post. In this modification, the float 534 has its ends closed andis formed with an annular recess 536 providing oppositely disposedshoulders for limiting the axial movement of the float with respect tothe center post 508. The limiting means is constituted by a flexibleband of material 538, such as rubber or the like, which embraces thecenter post 506 and has a plurality of spaced projections 540 extendingthrough openings 542 in the center post. These projections extend intothe annular recess 536 and are adapted to engage the end walls thereoffor limiting movement of the float with respect to the center post.

In Figure 7 there is disclosed still another modiflcaion of theinvention, the same comprising the inner rotatable receptacle 544 whichis provided with an upstanding centrally disposed post 546 upon which ismounted an agitator 548. The agitator is operated by means of a shaft550 mounted in the lower wall of the tub 544 and has a gear 552 mountedon the upper end thereof which extends through an opening 554 in thecenter post 546 and engages an internal gear 556 mounted in or formedintegrally with the agitator 548, whereby the agitator may be oscillatedfor effecting a washing operation in the tub 544. The center post 546 isformed with an inwardly extending annular shaped flange 558 whichprovides a seat for the float 560 and permits washing fluid from theinterior of the tub 544 to act upon the float 560 for moving the same tooperate an actuating device 562 mounted in the lid 564 of the washingdevice. Means operated by said actuating device 562 is electricallyconnected in a circuit 565 of an electrically operated valve 566 forcontrolling flow of liquid into the tub 544 through an intake 566.

Figure 8 discloses a further modification of the invention, the samecomprising a hollow center post 510 extending upwardly within arotatable tub 5H and being apertured as in the previously describedembodiments. Mounted within the center post tile is a float 512 which isadaptedito engage one end of a lever 514 pivotedyas at 516, to thecabinet or casing 'for the washing machine. The other end of the leverhas an operating element 578 for operating a switch 580 whereby the oneor more steps in the washing cycle may be controlled.

Figure 9 of the drawings discloses still another modified structure forthe washing machine, the same comprising a rotatable tub 582 in which isdisposed an agitator 584 operated by means of a shaft 556 for effectinga washing operation within the tub. The washing machine of thisembodiment is provided with a cabinet or casing having an opening 58%whereby the operator is able to gain access to the interior of the tub582. The opening 583 is normally closed by a lid 590 having controlmechanism mounted therein which includes an operating member 592extending downwardly therefrom through an opening therein much on theorder of that shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The lid has adownwardly extending hollow member 5534, the interior of whichcommunicates with the interior of the tank through an opening 595provided in the bottom wall thereof. The memher 5% is secured to the lid5% so as to enclose the operating member 592 and has a float 5% mountedtherein for operation of said control member 592. This float 5% is movedin accordance with the liquid level in the tub 582 to operate thecontrol mechanism through the control. member 592.

In those instances where the float chamber is provided in the agitator,it was found that more satisfactory performance was obtained when asingle passage was provided from the interior of the tub into the floatchamber. This effectively retards the transfer of fluid fluctuation fromthe tub into the float chamber and thereby stabilizes the float.

In order to automatically operate the machine hereinabove described,there is provided a control means including a timer motor capable ofrotating a plurality of cams for actuating switch means in apredetermined sequence to cause the apparatus to perform its variousfunctions. A control circuit for causing the washing machine to operateautomatically is disclosed in Figure 13 of the drawing, the sameincluding a switch 96 which may be mounted in the control device for thecircuit and which controls the main circuit L and. L The main circuitincludes a timer motor 6%, the main driving motor I65, the mixing valveEll, the brake solenoid 434, the float switches 412 and 474, theunbalance switch 498 and the pilot light lit. The pilot light ii! isdirectly connected across the lines L and L and is lighted when the lineswitch S6 is closed except when the unbalance switch 498'is renderedinoperative either because of the lid 34 being in open position orbecause of the disengagement of latch 489 from the shoulder 59% as aresult of excessive unbalanced or eccentric loads in the receptacle 8which has caused the center post 272 to engage the lever 488. As will benoted, the unbalance switch 398 is incorporated in the main line L Theremaining pieces of control mechanism are connected directly to one sideof the line through contacts operated by a pluralit of cams 692, 6134,6% and 608 which are driven in one direction only by the timer motor 6%.

The sequence of operation includes a period during which liquid isintroduced into tub 8,

a washing period, a spin period during which a flush rinse is applied:for a short interval of time to remove soapy water from the clothingand tub, an agitate rinse period, a spin period for spin drying theclothes or material within the tub 8 and a reset or inactive period. Aspreviously described, switches 472, 414 and 498 are disposed within thelid '34. When the tub is empty and the lid 34 is closed, the switch 4'12is in its closed position whereas theswitch M4 is in its open position.The unbalance switch 498 is also in its closed position. At this timethe brake solenoid 434 is deenergized and the brake shoes 4% and 468 areurged into frictional engagement with the drum M6 by .the spring 436whereby the outer shaft 200 and the tub 8 are held stationary. When theline switch 95 is closed and the knob I04 of the control device is'movedto initiate a washing cycle, a circuit is completed whereby water .fromthe mixing valve 9i! is introduced through the conduit 45 i and nozzle452 into the tub 8. The mixing valve .90 is constructed to introduceeither warm, hot or medium hot water into the receptacle 8. The controlcircuit, however, is arranged so that for the washing period only aselection may be made by the operator as to whether warm, hot or mediumhot water is to be introduced into the tub 8. The circuits for theintroduction of these wash waters can be traced through main line L1,conductor 6H3, contacts 484 of switch 412, conductor BIZ, to one of thecontacts 609 of cam 598 (this being common to both cams 6% and 688),,the other contact of cam 698 being connected through the conductor M4 tothe movable contacts M6 and (N8 of the switch for the mixing valve 59.When it is desired to introduce medium hot water into the tub 8 thecontrol knob I04 is moved to position the contacts EEG and BIS inengagement with the contacts 629 and 622, respectively, as shown inFigure 13 of the drawings. Accordingly, the circuit for the introductionof medium hot water into tank 8 is completed through the solenoids B24and 626 of the warm and hot water valves, respectively, and thencethrough the conductor 628 to the main line L In the event that it isdesired to introduce hot water into the tub 8, the control knob Hid forthe mixing valve is moved to its hot position at which time the circuitfrom cam 5% is completed through the conductor 614, contacts M8 and.631i, solenoid 626 of the hot water valve, and thence through conduit628 to the main line L In the event that it is desired to introduce warmwater into the tub, the control knob E04 for the mixing valve 90 ismoved to its warm position, at which time the circuit from cam 688 iscompleted through the other contact for cam 60%, conductor 656, contacts'62!) and 631, solenoid 624, and thence through the conductor 628 to themain line I]. Irrespective of the positioning of the knob M4, thecontrol circuit during the flush and agitate rinse periods is such thatwarm water only can be introduced into the tub 8. This circuit can betraced from the main line L conductor 6H1, contacts 484 of switch 412,conductor M2 to contact 6&9 for the cam 606, the other contact for thecam 566 being connected through conductor 655 to the solenoid 624 andthence by way of conductor 628 to the main line L Water is introducedinto the tub 8 until such time as a predetermined liquid level isattained,

r at which time the float 282 rises and contacts the control button 466which moves the lever arm 468 about its pivot point 410 and at the sametime moves the switch bracket 415 about its pivot points 416 and 418.This operation causes switch 414 to be energized which immediatelycompletes a circuit for starting the timer motor 600 and the drivingmotor I60. This circuit may be traced through the main line L conductor632, contacts 486, conductor 634, conductor 636, conductor 638 to thefield winding for the timer motor 600 and thence through the conductors640 and 642 to the main line L The circuit for the driving motor I60 isalso completed through the switch 414 in the same manner as the circuitfor the timer motor, the conductor 636 being connected by conductor 644to the field winding for the motor I60 and thence through the conductors646 and 642 to the main line L Energization of these motor circuitsstarts the timer motor to operate whereby the cams rotated thereby takeover control of the sequential operation of the machine. The drivingmotor I60 operates the driving mechanism heretofore described foroscillating the agitator I0, it being understood that at this time thetub 8 and the outer shaft 200 are maintained stationary by the brakeshoes as previously described.

Preferably, the switches 412 and 414 in the circuit heretofore describedare angularly offset with respect to each other and the volume of mobileconducting fluid contained in the casings therefor is such that themotor circuits through the switch 414 are energized prior to the timewhen the level of the washing liquid within the tub 8 has attained apredetermined height found desirable for the washing operation, so thatagitation of the clothes or other materials within the tub 8 isinitiated prior to the time when the mixing valve 90 is closed. It willbe apparent that because of the relative angular disposition of theswitches 412 and 414 and the volume of mobile conducting material forthe switches that a short time after agitation is effected switch 412 isdeenergized which shuts off the flow of liquid into tub 8 independentlyof the operation of timer motor 600.

As the timer motor continues to operate, the cams 602, 604 and 606 areprogressively moved forward. At the end of the washing period, motorcircuits through the contacts for cam 604 are completed for spinning thetub 8, these circuits being entirely independent of the switches 412 and414. The circuit for the timer motor may be traced from the main line Lthrough conductors 642 and 640 to the field winding for the timer motor600, thence through conductors 638 and 636 to one of the contacts forthe control cam 604 and thence through the other contact therefor andconductors 648 and 650 to the main line L thus completing a circuitwhereby the timer motor continues to operate and to move its camsthrough their cycle of operation. The circuit for the drive motor I60can be traced from the main line L conductors 642 and 646, through thefield winding for the motor I60, conductors 644 and 636 to one contactof the control cam 604 an thence from the other contact for said controlcam through conductors 648 and 650 to the main line L A circuit is alsocompleted at this time for energizing the solenoid 434 to release thebrake shoes 406 and 408 and to move the lever 428 whereby its projection438 is disengaged from the bell crank lever 356 to permit the clutchcollar 354 to move downwardly under the action of gravity to effect anengagement of the key 352 and the operating end of the clutch spring346. Thus the outer shaft 208 is operatively connected to the innershaft 236 through the spring clutch element 346 whereby the tub 8 may berapidly rotated for causing the washing liquid to be dischargedfrom theclothes or material contained therein. This circuit can be traced fromthe main line L through conductor 650 through one of the contacts of thecontrol earn 602 through the other contact for the control cam throughconductor 652 to the winding for the solenoid 434 and thence from thesaid winding through conductor 654 to the main line L During this periodof spin, cam 606 is moved to complete the circuit through the conductor656 and solenoid 624 as previously described and warm water isintroduced through the mixing valve into the tub 8, whereby the materialand clothes are flush rinsed during the spinning operation.

Water overflowing from the tub 8 during the spinning operation isdischarged into the outer tub 6 and flows through the discharge openingI48 and into the intake conduit 3I0 for the pump 304. This pump,operated through the belt 288, discharges the water extracted from theclothes or other material in the tub 8 through the conduit 3I2 to drain.

At the end of the spinning period hereinabove described, the circuit forthe solenoid 434 is deenergized, thus allowing brake 365 to operate tohold the tub 8 stationary during the agitate rinse period. When thespinning period is terminated, control cam 606 causes a circuit to becompleted through switch 412 whereby warm rinse water is introduced intothe tub 8 while the tub is at rest. The circuit for the introduction ofwarm rinse water is the same as the circuit for introducing rinse waterduring the spinning period. After a predetermined liquid level has beenattained in the tub 8, the float 282 engages the button 466 to energizeswitch 414 to complete a circuit as was done during the washing cycle tooscillate the agitator I0 and to deenergize switch 412.

As the timer motor 600 continues to operate, the operation of agitatorI0 is discontinued, at which time the brake solenoid 434 is againenergized through the circuit previously described for releasing thebrake shoes 406 and 408 from the drum M6 and to again permit clutchelement 346 to effect a driving connection between the inner shaft 236and the outer shaft 200 whereby the motor I60 rapidly spins the tub 8for extracting the rinse water from the clothes or other materialscontained in the tub 8. The control circuit for the motor I60 at thistime is independent of either of the switches 412 or 414 and is tracedin the same manner as the circuit heretofore traced for the previousspin period.

At the end of the spin period, continued operation of the timer motormoves the control cams into their reset or inactive position, at whichtime the drive motor I60 is rendered inoperative and the brake solenoid434 is deenergized whereby the brake shoes 406 and 408 engage the brakedrum M6 to hold the tub 8 stationary and to recondition the entirecontrol circuit for a repetition of the cyclic operation as hereinabovedescribed.

The unbalance switch 498 is normally held in closed position by means ofthe latch 489 when acetate 17 the lid 34 is in closed position and isoperative to open the main line circuit L and to close the same underthe conditions previously described.

In the operation of the Washing and drying machine according to thedisclosure heretofore presented, the operator opens the lid 34 andplaces the clothes or other material to be washed into the tub 8 andthen pours the proper quantity of detergent into the said tub. The lidis closed and the water temperature is selected by positioning the waterselector knob of the con trol for the mixing valve 99. If medium hotwater is desired, the temperature selecting knob on the top of themachine is-positioned as shown in Figure 13 of the drawings. The .tirnercontrol knob, also mounted on the top or cover of the cabinet, may bepulled outwardly to close the line switch 98 after which the same isrotated to a position corresponding to the length of time desired forthe washing period as shown by indicia on the knob. This is the onlymanualoperation that is required by the operator.

-When the timer controlknob is turned, cam 608 for the timer is turnedtoa position whereby water is supplied by the mixing valve 90 to the tub 3through conduit 454 and nozzle 452. Water continues to flow into the tubs until such time as the float 2,82 rises and engages button 465 to movethe switch 414 to closed position, all as hereinbefore explained. Thisenergizes the timer and drive motor circuits whereby the timer starts tooperate for rotating the control cams driven thereby to effect a cycleof operation in accordance with the operation of the control circuit. Atthis time the solenoid is deenergi zed so that brake shoes lllfi and 40Bare-in engagement with the brake drum M6 to hold the tub 8 and the outershaft 200 stationary and, because of the positioning of the operatingleverAZS of the brake mechanism, its extension 438 is in engagement withthe bell crank lever 356 whereby the key 352 is out of engagement withthe operating end of the springclutch element 346. Accordingly, themotor [60 operating through its belt 296 rotates pulley 30 and throughthe constant torque slip clutch, the inner shaft 236 is rotated tooscillate the agitator Ill through the oscillating mechanism disposedwithin the casing 59d. Because of the particular construction ofswitches 412 and 414 and their relative angular disposition, water willcontinue to be introduced into the receptacle 8 until a predetermineddesired liquid level is attained. This level isdetermined by optimumwashing conditions within the tub 8 and although it has been pointed outthat a lag may exist between the time when the switch 474 is energizedand switch 412 is .deenergized, nevertheless, under certaincircumstances it may be desirable to have such energization anddeenergization of these switches occur sub stantially simultaneouslywhich would result in causing agitation to take place in the -tub 8simultaneously with the-discontinuance of flow of liquid from the mixingvalve 90. -Under the conditions of operation assumed in the illustrativeembodiment of the I invention, water will continue to flow'for a shorttime into the tub 8 although agitation for washing has already startedthrough the operation of switch 414.

After the agitator has been operated to effect a washing operationwithin the tub-8 fora predetermined length of time, continued rotationof the control cams602 andBM completes circuits i rsninn ne, th -1 1 foe e ermined 18 length of time. One of such circuits is controlled by cam6 02 and includes the solenoid 434, as previously traced, whichenergizes the same to release the brake shoes and at the same timecauses the projection 38 to disengage the bell crank lever 3 56 wherebythe collar drops to permitkeytfi? to engage with the'operating end of thspringelutch element Silt. The other of the circuits is controlled bythe cam Ba i and includes .themotor I50. The motor L60, accordingly,continues to operate to drive the outer shaft 2913 from the inner shaft236 through the clutch element 3,4 6. Such rotation of the outer shaft200 causes the entire tub assembly connected :thereto to rotate whilethe agitator ID is maintained stationary with respect to the tub. "Asthe speedof rotation of the tub} increases and .the water therein .isforced up along the side walls 152. he same f dis her d ever the upperedge of the tub into the bottom of the stationary ub .6 h h .same'ifiiiiqha id thr u the During the spinning operation hereinabove described,warm water is introducedinto the'tub B through the ,mixing valve ed to'fl'ushrinse the clothes therein the circuit vforthe operation of themixing valvefiflbeing completed through theswitch A12, as hereinbeforedescribed. It is at this timethat fresh water is admitted to therotating tub to remove a relatively high pergentage of the soap .i' rainmgm the clothes after washing. "This rinsewater is dischargedQlterthe upper edgeof the tub 8 into the tub i3 an thentp drain R m ntfiepu'mp sat.

,At ,the termination of the" spinning period, cam :60? pauses.deenergization of I the solenoid circuit whereby the clutch element 346is rendered inoperativeand brake shoes 40% and 508 are setto bring thetub 8"t'o al'stop. The inner sha f t 26 is tee a ers berotatedindependently ofthe outer shaft'zllll. At ,this'time'the circuitforthemotor [$0 andtimer motor 5GB is deenergized. j sirnultaneou'slywith'fth'e deenergization ofthis circuit tor the. motors. cam 606 isefiective to,. comp lete a circuit'to'initiat'e introduction ofwarmwater-into the tub '8' to be utilized in the a itat ins ptfi d-,Waterfor, thisrinsing operation is introduced into the tub 8 iioat'f28'2 is actuated to deenergize switch 412' and t'd'ehergize switch 414.-lilnergiaation of switch tldcomplet'es the circuit as previouslydescribed, 'tooperate motor ifidand thetimer rnotor Bonito causetheagitator l0, t be osci ted wherebyth'e'jolothe's or other materialsin thelftub tare thoroughly agitatfidor a ef period of. time.Continued'operation of thetirner 'motorffiiill positions cams 5&2 andtoe to, complete circuits including the solenoid 434 and'th (motor I60independently of ,the sw tohes 412 and. 414,. as hereihbefore described,whereby thiouter shaft 299 driven by the irn er. shaft 236' through theclutch element as an t i @1 13 a ra brought up to spinning speed to.permit material within the tubto be centriiuged l'a'large portion of the.rnoisture has beerrved therefrom. This completes the washing cyole'after which the timer ,is, .moyed into its reset or inactive position to.deenergize the control circuit and to bring the tub 8 to rest.-Thelid34 may then be raised by t eonerat rt remo lel he terialsfrom thetub fl. During this cycle of operation the material wh chwasgplaced inthe tub: is subjected torai washing opera I on, i a tea trifuging actionto remove water th erefroni, a

flush rinse to remove soapy water therefrom during rotation of the tub,a rinse followed by agitation, and finally a centrifuging action toremove a large percentage of water therein.

While the illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described inconnection with a control circuit for operating the washing machine in acycle of operation determined by the control cams of the timer motor,nevertheless, it will be clearly appreciated that it is possible to usethe control device for the timer motor in such a way as to manuallyposition the control cams for operating the various mechanismsincorporated in the machine. Furthermore, if so desired, the machine canbe very readily made to operate semi-automatically.

While I have herein described and upon the drawings shown illustrativeembodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited thereto but may comprehend other constructions,arrangements of parts, details and features without departing from thespirit of the invention.

It is claimed:

1. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, means for effecting a washing oper;ation within said tub, means for controlling a step in said washingoperation, an upstanding hollow center support mounted within said tub,to provide a float chamber, said chamber having communication with theinterior of said tub through an opening, a float member movably mountedwithin said chamber and operated by the liquid in said tub, and meansoperable by said float when a predetermined liquid level has beenreached in said tub for effecting operation of said control means.

2. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be Washed, a lid for said tub, means foreffecting a washing operation within said tub, means for controlling astep in said washing operation, a center support mounted within saidtub, a float member carried by said support and operated by the liquidin said tub, and means mounted in said lid and operable by said floatwhen a predetermined liquid level has been reached in said tub foreffecting operation of said control means.

3. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, a lid for said tub, means foreffecting a washing operation within said tub, means for supplying aliquid to said tub, a center support mounted within said tub, a floatmember carried by said support and operated by the liquid in said tub,and means mounted in said lid and operable by said float when apredetermined liquid level has been reached in said tub for shutting offsaid liquid supply means.

4. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, an agitator having a center postproviding means for mounting said agitator within said tub and beingoperable to effect a washing operation therein, said center post havinga hollow support apertured to provide communication with the interior ofsaid tub, a float member carried within said support and operated by theliquid in said tub, means for supplying a liquid to said tub, and meansoperable by said float when a predetermined liquid level has beenreached in said tub for shutting off said liquid supply means.

5. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material, a washing device within said tub, a center supportmounted within said tub, a float member carried within said support andoperated by the liquid in said tub, and means operable by said floatwhen a predetermined liquid level has been reached in said tub forinitiating the operation of said washing device.

6. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be Washed, a washing device within said tub,means for supplying a liquid to said tub, a movable float responsive tothe liquid level in said tub and means sequentially operated by saidfloat when predetermined liquid levels are reached in said tub forinitiating operation of said washing device and for shutting off saidliquid supply means.

7. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, means for eifecting a washingoperation within said tub, timing means for controlling said operation,a center support mounted within said tub, a float member carried by saidsupport and operated by the liquid in said tub, and means operable bysaid float when a predetermined liquid level has been reached in saidtub for starting the operation of said timing means.

8. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, means for supplying liquid to saidtub, means for effecting a washing operation within said tub, timingmeans for controlling said operation, and means sequentially operated inaccordance with predetermined liquid levels in said tub for starting theoperation of said timing means and for rendering said liquid supplymeans inoperative.

9. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, means for supplying liquid to saidtub. automatic control means for successively causing liquid to besupplied to said tub, the starting of the washing, and the stopping ofthe washing including control means for said liquid supply means andtiming means for controlling the washing operation, manually operablemeans for initiating operation of said automatic control means, andmeans sequentially operated in accordance with predetermined liquidlevels in said tub for starting the operation of said timing means andfor rendering said control means for said liquid supply meansinoperative.

10. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be washed, a lid for said tub, means foreffecting a washing operation within said tub, a control circuitincluding means for controlling the supply of liquid to said tub andtiming means for controlling a series of steps in said washing operationin timed sequence, a center support mounted in said tub, and a floatmember carried by said support and operated by the liquid in said tub,said control circuit having switch means mounted in said lid andoperated by said float member in accordance with the liquid level insaid tub for starting the operation of said timing means and iorrendering said liquid supply means inopera- 11. In a washing machine,the combination of a cabinet having a top wall formed with an opening, atub disposed within said cabinet and adapted to receive liquid andmaterial to be washed, a lid for said opening, means for eflecting awashing operation within said tub, a center support mounted within saidtub, a floatmember carried by said support operated by the liquid insaid tub, and control means for said washing machine carried by said lidand operated by said float member.

12. In a washing machine, the combination of a cabinet having a topwallformed with an-opening, a tub disposed within said cabinet andadapted to receive liquid and material to be washed, a hollow lid forsaid opening, means for efiect n a washing o a on it s i u said meansincluding acentrally disposedagitator having a center supportafioatmember carried by said center support and operated b -the liquidin said tub control means for said washing machine including a .controlcircuit having switch means mounted within said lid, and means carriedby said lid and extending into the path of movement of said float memberfor controlling said switch means.

13. In a washing machine, a receptacle for liquid and fabrics to betreated, means for discharging liquid into the receptacle, anelectroresponsive valve for controlling the flow of liquid through saidmeans, a float disposed in said receptacle, and an electric floatactuated switch disposed above the float and receptacle for controllingthe valve when the liquid reaches a predetermined level in saidreceptacle to interrupt the flow of liquid to the same.

14. In a liquid level control for a washing machine, comprising areceptacle for retaining washing liquid, an actuator disposed in thebottom of said receptacle and having an upwardly projecting hollowcenter post, a float disposed in said hollow center post, a cover forsaid receptacle, a conduit having a valve therein for discharging liquidinto said receptacle, and a movable switch device carried by said coverand disposed over said float when the cover is in closed position, saidswitch being movable by said float when the liquid attains apredetermined level to interrupt the flow of liquid to said receptacle.

15. In a washing machine, a substantially imperfcrate receptacle forwashing liquid and fabrics to be treated, an oscillatable agitatordisposed in said receptacle and having an upstanding hollow center postprojecting above the normal liquid level to provide a float chamber,said agitator being provided with an opening to admit liquid from saidreceptacle to said float chamber, a hollow float disposed in saidchamber and movable in response to the liquid flowing in said chamber, alid for said receptacle and movable to an open and closed position, atiltable switch carried by said lid and disposed above said float whenthe lid is in closed position, a conduit for discharging liquid intosaid receptacle, electro-responsive valve means disposed in said conduitfor controlling the flow of liquid to said receptacle, and an electricalmeans disposed between said switch and valve, said switch being movableby said float when the liquid in the chamber reaches a predeterminedvalue to interrupt the electrical circuit to the valve to close the sameand responsive below the predetermined level to energize the valve toopen position.

16. In a washing machine, a receptacle having a washing compartment openat its upper end and substantially imperforate therebelow, a conduithaving an electro-responsive valve therein for discharging liquid intothe receptacle, an oscillatable agitator disposed in the lower end ofsaid receptacle and having an integral hollow center post terminatingadjacent the upper end of the receptacle, said hollow center postproviding an elongatedchamber separate from said washing compartment andbeing provided with an I opening :therein intermediate the bottom andopen end of the chamber to permit liquid to flow therethrough during thefill period, a hollow float disposed in said chamber, a lid disposedabove the open end of the receptacle and movable to a horizontal closedposition and a vertical open position, a pivotally-mountedswitch meanssecured to the underneath portion of the lid, a bracket for holding saidswitch, a projection carried by said bracket projecting downward overthe float, and electrical means between the switch and .valve tomaintain the valve closed when the lid is opened and :to open the valvewhen the lid is closed, and said switch being operated by the floatacting against the projection to close the valve when the liquid flowingthrough the opening from the receptacle to the chamber reaches apredetermined level.

17. In a washing machine operating on an automatic cycle, a receptaclesubstantially imperforate below a predetermined level, a conduit havingan electro-responsive valve therein for conducting liquid tothereceptacle, an oscillatable agitator disposed in said receptacle havingan upstanding centrally located hollow center post to provide a floatchamber, said center post being provided with a restricted passagetherein to permit flow of liquid in the receptacle to said chamber, alid movable from a vertical open position to a horizontal closedposition disposed above the receptacle and adapted to cover the same, amovable and pivotable bracket carried under the lid and disposed abovethe float, a pair of switches mounted on said bracket, a pin secured tothe bracket and projecting toward the float, means including mechanismfor actuating the agitator for agitating the liquid and fabrics in saidreceptacle, means for removing the liquid from the receptacle andextracting a portion of the same from the fabrics, and means including atimer for causing the mechanism to operate in a cyclic manner, a knobfor operatively positioning said timer, and means connecting the pair ofswitches to the timer s that when the lid is in its open position one ofthe switches deenergizes the timer independently of its setting and whenthe lid is in its closed position the other switch holds the timerdeenergized until the level of liquid reaches a predetermined value andthe float ac tuates the switch to energize the timer and hence themechanism for completing the cycle.

18. In a washing machine, a stationary casing having a cover portionprovided with an access opening, a lid pivoted to cover said openingwhen in closed position, switch means carried by said lid, a receptacledisposed below said opening adapted to receive water and material to bewashed and mounted for lateral displacement with respect to said lid andswitch means, a washing device in said receptacle, a float carried bysaid washing device and laterally movable with said receptacle andmovable vertically by the water level in said receptacle to actuate saidswitch means, means for admitting water to said receptacle, and meansfor actuating said washing device, both of said means being controlledwhen the float rises in response to the Water level in the receptacle toactuate said switch means to thereby start operation of said washingdevice and to interrupt the flow of water to said receptacle.

19. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material to be Washed, an agitator having a center postproviding means for mounting said agitator within said tub and beingoperable to eflect a washing operation therein, said center post havinga hollow support apertured to provide communication with the interior ofsaid tub, a control member carried within said support movable inresponse to changes in the level of liquid in said tub, means forsupplying liquid to said tub, and means operable by said control memberwhen a predetermined liquid level has been reached in said tub forshutting off said liquid supply means.

20. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receiveliquid and material, a washing device within said tub, a center supportmounted within said tub, a control member carried within said supportmovable in response 24 to changes in the level of the liquid in saidtub. and means operable by said control member when a predeterminedliquid level has been reached in said tub for initiating the operationof said washing device.

THOMAS R. SMITH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

